Noble back with Black Cats

Teenage striker Ryan Noble has returned to Sunderland following his month-long loan at Derby.

By Ben Collins

Last Updated: 26/10/10 5:14pm

Teenage striker Ryan Noble has returned to Sunderland following his month-long loan at Derby.

The 19-year-old has a back problem which restricted him to just a single substitute appearance for the Championship outfit.

However, Rams boss Nigel Clough has not ruled out the possibility of Noble, who turns 20 on Monday, coming back to Pride Park.

"Ryan has had a problem with his back which he didn't necessarily pick up while with us, so he has gone back to Sunderland for treatment," Clough told Derby's official website.

"His loan has expired and he is back with them, but we would certainly investigate bringing him back when he is fully fit."

Noble has so far made just one substitute appearance for Sunderland in last season's FA Cup and would face competition at the Stadium of Light from Darren Bent, Danny Welbeck and club-record signing Asamoah Gyan, as well as David Healy.